Tag Archives: inner peace

You Are The Entire Universe

Sometimes inner peace is about relaxing, smoothing over rough edges, smiling and simply breathing. Other times, when we are dealing with turbulent forces inside and outside of us, we are forced to really embrace our infinite nature.

We may experience thunder storms and volcanoes inside of us, which can be overwhelming, or act as a reminder to grow. Sometimes the battles we are facing seem so big that only in becoming bigger that a galaxy of stars do we feel able to cope. Only then are we able to see the beauty of the mountains we have conquered.

View from Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

When you are the entire universe there is no need to fight against the wild forces that exist within you. You can appreciate the fire, the lightning and rough seas, just as much as you can appreciate the beautiful sunny days when your mind is crystal clear.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Dissolving into a blissful state of peace is easy when conditions are gentle, but when we are facing challenges (whether these come from within or without) we get the opportunity to feel our power. When we remember that we have the ability to expand beyond whatever emotion or turmoil we are facing, no matter how huge it seems, we no longer feel the need to try to deny, diminish or fight against it.

The fire inside us that we were previously trying to extinguish for fear it would destroy us, becomes pure magic. We no longer feel that we are drowning in our emotions. We can swim through them, enjoying their depth and vastness.

Tranquillity may not seem possible in the midst of extreme conditions, but if we can visualise the trials we are facing to be powerful forces of nature, peace can be found in visualising ourselves to be the infinite space of a universe full of stars which allows everything within to exist without restraint.

When we no longer feel the need to restrict any part of ourselves or others due to fear, we can experience a beautiful freedom which grows with us. The more we can expand into our infinite selves, the more joy we can find, even in our struggles.

When you are the entire universe, how can you not see the beauty of the explosions inside of you? They are no threat to your existence, and the drama only enhances your magnificence. So don’t be afraid next time a storm comes, it’s just showing you who you really are!

It is my wish that this post helps you find a little more acceptance for difficult emotions or experiences you may face, and is not intended to be taken too seriously. Never be afraid to seek out professional help if you need it. Therapy is an incredibly empowering process which I would recommend 100% from my personal experience. Your journey is unique, and doing what feels right for YOU without fear of judgement is the best advice I can give. Feel free to leave me a comment below to say hello 🙂

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The Power Of A Crazy Dream

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I often imagine I’m levitating. I dream that I will live forever, in a beautiful harmonious world full of magic and wonder.

Handmade macrame gemstone jewellery available in my Etsy shop.

Unfortunately I am not yet able to fly, and although my little segment of the world is pretty good, it definitely isn’t paradise. However, when I focus on my magnificent dreams, I experience some very beneficial side effects.

Wrap your life in rainbows.

When I imagine myself to be unconstrained by the limits of this physical world, I experience, without fail, a boost in energy and a surge of inspiration. I feel motivated, capable and confident in my abilities. This in turn leads to happiness and success in whatever I am doing.

Actually achieving the ultimate dream then becomes less relevant, because it has already benefited me in the here and now. I may spend time visualising mystical realms of indescribable peace and beauty, but it is the calm clear mind and feeling of love that remains after the visualisation that is important.

Perfume Pagoda, Vietnam

Whether you dream of world domination, or holding your breath for an hour and diving down to the bottom of the ocean, there is a tremendous power in indulging your dreams. Not because they might come true (although believing in your dreams is the first step in making them a reality!), but because getting in touch with the things that light up your heart brings so much inspiration, joy, clarity and confidence.

Ayutthaya, Thailand. I dream of a life of endless adventure ♡

I have used this technique personally to overcome mental fogginess and apathy many many times. It has also played a part in overcoming my struggles with depression and anxiety, along with a lot of other help, support, self-love, medication and therapy. It is just one of many useful strategies I have picked up, but it definitely plays a significant part for me in cultivating happiness and moving my life in the right direction.

So if you have a weird and wonderful dream, please don’t feel like entertaining it is a waste of time. Maybe it’s achievable, maybe it isn’t… but believing in it may just make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Enjoy all of the successes your dream brings you along the way, and gradually loosen all of the limitations you have imposed on yourself, until you are truly living in a world where dreams come true!

What does your heaven look like? Necklaces pictured from my Etsy shop.

Tell me about your craziest dreams in the comments below 😊.

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The Magic Is In You – Water Wonderland

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This is the second in an experimental series of posts about connecting to the magic within and all around us. You can read the first post here as a general introduction to the idea.

I have chosen water as the theme because it is the one aspect of nature I can always rely on to soothe and calm me wherever I am.

The inspiration for this post didn’t come to me in the clear turquoise waters of a tropical island, beautiful lake, or river though. It was bubbling away in the jacuzzi at my local spa.

As I sat there in a peaceful daze, visions came to me of past times I’d been happily submerged in water, in places far and wide.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Imagined future scenes also flashed before me, until these visions enveloped me into a water wonderland which merged with the swirling delight of my present surroundings.

I sank deeper into the hot bubbling whirlpool in a dreamy stupor, and in that moment, all of my trepidation about leaving my current life behind to go off alone into the unknown again dissolved. I knew that wherever I was I would always have this. I could always return to the water world of my dreams that existed somewhere between planet earth and a paradise-like realm, where water was a sacred gift from the gods.

Iguasu Falls, South America

Water Meditation

Submerge yourself in water. It could be in a bath, a river, lake, pool, hot tub or the sea. (I have recently discovered the joy of having a wetsuit, which means I can swim comfortably even in the freezing cold water of the UK!) Find a safe quiet spot where you feel happy to stay for a while. Or, if you feel calmer on the move, find an open space where you can swim slowly without being disturbed.

The main aim of this activity is to relax and connect with your own magical water dreamland. Use the flowing quality of water to wash away any negativity in your mind and body, and feel how you become almost weightless. Feel yourself dissolving into the water, becoming more and more peaceful with every breath you take.

Your body begins to merge with the water, your movements becoming more fluid and easeful. You are one with the water, and realise that all of the peace and calm that the water provides already exists within you. Allow the twinkling reflections on the surface of the water, and swirling shapes your body makes as you move, to transport you to your water wonderland.

Sunset, Barbados

Allow images of beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers and oceans to float through your mind. Enjoy the anticipation of visiting these places, and the special memories of places you have already been. You are infinitely peaceful, and have a deep appreciation for this precious gift.

There is no set time for this meditation. Personally, I could spend hours in water without getting bored, but everyone is different. When you have finished, write down a few words under the heading of ‘water wonderland’ to remind you of this experience, or collect some pictures to create a collage of dream water paradises you would like to visit.

Try to take some of this relaxation and fluidity you have experienced with you into the coming days. Allow peace to ripple out from you in all directions, and feel like you can float through any difficulties you may encounter.

Thank you for joining me in our water wonderland, I hope you enjoyed it! Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite places and inspiring experiences below ❤

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The Magic Is In You

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This is the first in an experimental series of short posts where I will share ideas designed to inspire us to connect with the magic of nature, and the magic of ourselves.

I was thinking along the lines of mini challenges, meditations and adventures, but will be adapting the format as we progress, so your feedback will be extremely helpful.

Intention is the number one thing to keep in mind when taking part in any of the challenges. The purpose is to step outside of our regular world, and into one where anything is possible; to rediscover child-like wonder, and become enchanted by our surroundings. By incorporating our strong intention to see the magic wherever we are, we begin to realize that if we look for the beauty, and go calmly with peace in our hearts, the world sparkles in response.

The magic is in you.

So as to let this idea settle in, our first magical experience together will be a very simple one:

Bring the idea ‘THE MAGIC IS IN YOU’ to an activity of your choice. It could be something you already do on a regular basis, such as walking, swimming, running, sitting on the bus or meditating, or you can choose something new. It only needs to be for about 15 minutes, but feel free to shorten or lengthen the time depending on your feeling.

For this amount of time, choose to see or feel the magic in whatever you are doing. If you find this difficult, it may be easier to choose to be somewhere in the natural world, such as a forest or near a river, where there are lots of beautiful things to appreciate.

Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia

Slow down your thoughts, and gaze with a twinkle in your eye at whatever is around you. Don’t label or analyze anything, just appreciate anything you find beautiful or magical, like the colours, the shapes, or the patterns of light reflecting on different surfaces.

If you are moving, try to make your movements smooth and harmonious. Move as if you are completely at peace. Move as if you are magic. Move as if you are infinite. If you are still, use the feeling of stillness to sink deeper and deeper into peace.

When you have finished, write down 3 good things about your experience. These can be as simple as ‘felt relaxed’, ‘beautiful light’, or ‘fresh air’. Feel free to be more elaborate if you are inspired. The main aim of this part is to remember the magical things you appreciated during your experience.

The more we focus on the magic, the more it will grow. I feel infinitely more at peace with myself since I have made this my regular practice. I hope that it will inspire you, and fill you with joy and happiness! Please let me know what magical things you found to appreciate in the comments below 🙂

You can find all the posts in this series in “The Magic Is In You” section of this site.

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Nature Meditation

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Some places are so spectacularly beautiful that we are effortlessly drawn into their magic.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Time seems to slow down and we feel a profound inner stillness.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

A view can seem so surreal that it brings us a fresh perspective on life. The whole world somehow feels more alive, and more strange!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Our surroundings interact with us and remind us that we are part of this extraordinary vision. Contemplating a magnificent ocean view is a full sensory immersion. The endless gentle roar of the waves, the feel of the salty sea air on the skin, and the unmistakeable smell, are so powerfully soothing.

Big Sur, California

Interacting with nature in a more dynamic way can also bring about feelings of deep peace. The full body co-ordination involved with outdoor activities such as rock climbing, paddle boarding, skiing and surfing (along with countless others!), can really force us into a state of calm concentration and aliveness.

The adrenaline of a bungee jump or a sky dive, combined with the rushing air and amazing views can only be compared to the feeling of being the hero of a real-life computer game! These were among the most intense natural highs I have ever experienced.

Meditation was rarely my intention with these out-of-this-world experiences; but they did open a doorway for me to experience the immense beauty of the present moment. Seen with fresh eyes, beauty appeared in details I had previously missed. The world became so vivid to me, and I had much more appreciation for the subtle charm of ordinary things.

I realized that peace was accessible to me anywhere, any time.

A tiny patch of land where nature is allowed to flourish, 2 minutes from my home in the UK.

If we make it our intention to deepen our sense of peace and connection to the world around us, a walk in a local park can be as magical as visiting a more dramatically beautiful place. It may not have such a powerful impact, but if we allow its gentle beauty to permeate our being, the effect can be just as profound.

If you open your heart to the beauty of the present moment, you will be rewarded.

Whether you’re taking a peaceful stroll in nature, sitting quietly in your garden, or swimming in the ocean, consciously connecting with the magic of your surroundings will deepen the feeling of peace you experience. The benefits will continue throughout your day, and beyond.

So my challenge for you today is to become one with the subtle magic of the present moment. Give yourself a minimum of 5 minutes to deepen your bond with a natural environment or a particular aspect of nature. It could be as simple as contemplating a beautiful flower or leaf, or gazing up at the vast open sky. Or if you have more time, climb a hill or follow the path of a river. There are endless possibilities.

Just remember that your intention is the most important thing. When you combine a strong intention to nurture your bond with nature and feel peace in your heart, with a simple action that is in alignment with the intention, you will find that you create a new magic all of your own.

How do you connect with nature? What magical moments have inspired you? Leave me a comment below and share your wisdom 🙂

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10 Affirmations To Assist You During An Adventure

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An adventure for you might be as simple as getting up early to go to the gym, or going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Or it might be climbing a mountain or doing a bungee jump. We all have our comfort zones. Some days simply venturing outside feels like an adventure to me, yet at other times traveling solo through remote areas of foreign countries where I don’t speak a word of the language has felt like a walk in the park.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Whatever your current adventure threshold is, affirmations can really help to focus your mind when taking on challenges. Try using these, take bits that feel empowering, discard bits that don’t, or make up some of your own!

1. I am infinite.

One of my top affirmations for just about anything. It’s simple and straight to the point. Most of the rest of this list is saying the same thing in different words. In fact, much of what I write on this blog relates to this powerful idea. For some ‘infin-spiration’ read my recent post ‘You Are Infinite’.

Me being Tarzan in the Venezuelan jungle!

2. I am an eternal being journeying through time and space. I can do anything.

This one puts things into perspective! When I’m afraid, remembering this really helps.

3. Adventure brings me expansion into peace.

When we do something that takes us out of our comfort zone, we see that we can cope with a lot more than we think we can. This brings a greater sense of peace in day to day life.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

4. The earth is my friend and gives me infinite love and support.

Having the mindset that our environment is friendly rather than hostile can drastically change the way we interact with it. When I got lost in Kuala Lumpur, late at night and carrying a heavy backpack, I panicked. I was in very little physical danger as I was in a central part of town with plenty of people around. But it had been a long journey and I was tired, hungry and not thinking straight. I saw friendly people who tried to help and give me directions as a threat, and I strode off in the opposite direction from my hostel, determined to find my own way there!

I got there in the end but I was very sweaty, exhausted and annoyed! In contrast, when I got lost in the middle of nowhere in Cappadocia, with no water left and in the blazing heat, I was ridiculously calm. I was still exhausted and very hot, but the beauty and silence of my surroundings put me at complete ease. I continued walking happily and found my way back quickly. I’m sure I’d still be there now if I had decided the desolate landscape with crumbly rocks and thistles was out to get me!

Rose Valley, Cappadocia

5. I am strong and calm.

This one speaks for itself really. Desirable qualities for any adventurer!

6. This experience is helping me tap into my infinite source of inner strength.

When we’re struggling, telling ourselves we’re infinite sometimes seems unbelievable. This is when getting a bit creative with the wording can do wonders. We may not feel infinite at that moment, but we know we have felt much more capable than this in the past. So remembering that this strength exists, and our experience is helping us to find it, can be an excellent stepping stone.

White water rafting in Peru, just before we flipped over and smashed my face on the rock! I wouldn’t want to experience it again, but surviving it made me feel strong.

7. I am one with my surroundings.

Similar to number 4. When we experience something that challenges us, it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling separate and isolated. At the end of the day, adventure is something to be enjoyed, not endured. This affirmation can remind us of why we’re here, and to become totally immersed in the experience.

Poon Hill in the Himalayas, Nepal.

8. I am growing into my limitless self.

For the times when enjoying it just doesn’t seem feasible! We grow from every experience and that is an amazing thing in itself.

9. I am infinitely capable and can deal with any situation with ease.

Feeling tired, hungry, scared, lost or alone can trigger feelings of insecurity which can fool us into believing we are much less capable than we are. We suddenly become like a vulnerable small child again. Remind yourself that you are infinitely capable and that you can not only deal with this, but you can deal with it easily.

10. I am a super magical goddess/god/being/creature!

If all else fails call upon your magical powers! When we’re challenging ourselves, it can seem like we need superhuman powers to succeed. So give it a try, and use this super magical affirmation!

I hope you enjoyed reading these and found some of them useful. Affirmations and visualizations work best for me when I play around and have fun with them, so feel free to mix them up into your own special blend. I’d love to hear from you with your top affirmations, or any new ideas these have inspired. Happy adventuring! ❤ ❤ ❤

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Make Peace A Priority

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Relaxation. It’s so easy in theory, but it can be difficult during a busy day to take the time to unwind when we’ve forgotten the value of doing so. If we were already relaxed, we’d know it truly is where the magic happens.

When you think about the things you value in your life, how many of them do you appreciate when you’re in a stressed out state? My guess is not many! We can lose sight of the meaning and beauty of life without even realizing what’s happened, and it’s not until we relax that we can see the difference… and what a difference!

When you do what soothes your soul, you will notice the ripple effect that it has both in your own life and the lives of those around you. A peaceful walk in the woods may feel like a waste of time when you’re busy, but if you allow the stillness of the forest to enter your being it will be there to serve you when you most need it.

Light some candles or play some music and allow your mind to wander. Later, when challenges arise, be grateful for the time spent in this relaxed state. Allow your body’s cellular memory of the feelings of peace to inform your response, so that you can remain steady even in the midst of chaos.

Make time for peace and become steady as a mountain.

If you regularly do the things that make you feel calm and centered it will show through in everything you do. You will naturally feel more joy in even the mundane aspects of life. You will gain perspective on your problems and make wiser decisions. You will appreciate all of the good things in your life and the positive qualities that you already possess. You will connect more with those around you, and be more sensitive to their needs. Your open heart and easy demeanor will allow more joy to emerge in all of your relationships.

Whatever your role in life, you will make a difference. It’s amazing what a little inner peace can do. Whether you’ve found your calling in life, or are still working your way towards the job of your dreams, a calm heart and a peaceful mind will ensure that you maximize not only your own happiness, but that of the people you interact with along the way.

If you’re unhappy or wanting to make changes in your life, regularly connecting to these feelings of calm and contentment will allow you to see the way forward. When things go wrong, or your mood is low, it’s easy to think that worrying will help you to find a solution. However, it can have quite the opposite effect and block your view of the possibilities that are available. Taking the time to relax, and allowing peace and tranquility to inform you of what truly matters, will bring you much closer to where you want to be.

Give yourself the time to delve deep into the present moment and see what you find. Let your mind drift in swirls like the smoke of burning incense. Allow the hypnotic beat of the music to leave its impression on your subconscious mind, and serve as a reminder to you in the hours and days to come of this gift that you have given to yourself and to the world.

When you make peace a priority in this way, you will find ease and lightness when there was previously strain and struggle. Your mind will be clear and you will carry a ‘piece’ of this peace with you wherever you go.

I would love to be inspired by hearing about how you like to relax, or anything else related to this subject that you would like to share. ♡

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I Keep Coming Back To Peace

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Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all the things I want to do, all the places I want to see, all the things I want to say. I live such a jumbled life with so many points of focus, and often I wonder what it would be like if I made one of them my priority. But when I think of the things I love individually they seem hollow and unsatisfying.

It’s not travel that I love. It’s the feeling of freedom and endless possibilities, of endless exploration, beauty and wonder. It’s not jewellery that I love. It’s the feeling of inspiration that looking at, imagining, creating and sharing beautiful things gives me. It’s not being a massage therapist that I love. It’s the joy of bringing a little more ease, relaxation and happiness to someone else. It’s the undoing of tension and restoring of balance. It’s peace. It’s all about peace.

Rainbow Moonstone

When I write, when I sing, when I do yoga. All of these things are connected by my need to immerse myself in peace and share it with others.

I often get caught up dreaming of a far away land. I haven’t mastered the art of teleportation yet, so it usually leads to frustration. I want to create a sustainable lifestyle for myself, doing what I enjoy. If I didn’t it would be easy to save money doing temporary work, counting down the days, to go wherever I wanted to go. But it would be temporary, and temporary isn’t enough for me. Temporary does not bring me peace now or in the future. Wishing time away, waiting to be happy, and then when the time arrives knowing that it can’t last.

I often get caught up dreaming about having a hugely popular website which would enable me to earn money while travelling the world. Then my temporary dream would be permanent. This new dream also leads to frustration though. I see how much work it would take to get to that stage and imagine how long it would take me. I have to do what I love NOW.

This brings me back to peace.

The one theme in my life that unifies everything I am passionate about. When peace is my focus I can do whatever I am doing and it feels good. I can write about somewhere I’ve been and be transported back there, feeling more alive and joyful than words can describe. I see all of the beauty where I am now and feel less desire to escape. Possibilities open up as a result of this, pieces of the puzzle begin to fit into place, things flow more smoothly and I find myself a step closer to achieving all the things I want, even though I no longer desperately need them.

It’s not really the what, it’s the why. I still end up doing all the same things, but everything becomes so much more fulfilling. When I let go of fixed ideas about what I’m trying to achieve, everything is easier to do. Life becomes lighter and things get done more quickly. Putting the things I love into boxes leaves me feeling restricted by the limits I create for myself. So instead of lots of boxes, or even one big box, I’m using peace as my container. It’s an infinite space that contains everything I need and more.

I keep coming back to peace, because:

There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.

Photo: The Himalayas from the air

When your mind is still you’ll find the answers that you’re needing easily

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A mouthful of a title. It’s actually a line from a song I wrote that I hardly ever play. Probably because I attempt to fit those 17 syllables into 6 beats which is tricky even for someone with my mad rapping skills.

This post isn’t about singing though. It’s about inner peace. Something we take for granted until we don’t have it any more. Our minds are really really amazing. We have so much potential, and when our minds are clear we have inspired ideas and know exactly where we’re heading. But when we’re even a little stressed we feel somewhat less than the amazing creative geniuses that we are.

Unfortunately, for some of us it gets worse than this. A lot of people are able to stop at the level of feeling a little stressed, and get it together enough to do what needs to be done. However, if you’re like me and have tendencies towards ‘all or nothing’ thinking, a lightly clouded mind can turn into a raging storm in the blink of an eye. Your thinking has become so constricted that you can’t even remember that all you need to do is JUST STOP THINKING FOR A MINUTE!

No word of a lie, it took me a whole day of bashing my head against a brick wall today before I realised it shouldn’t be this difficult. I remembered times when ideas flowed easily and I felt highly motivated and capable. I knew that I knew what to do, but my mind was going too crazy for me to see the glaringly obvious.

Sunrise on the Ganges river at Varanasi, India. Now that’s what I call peaceful.

So I released the straining and the fruitless effort and relaxed. Almost immediately a breakthrough came. I know in my heart that I need to make peace a priority, but there’s this little part of me that’s scared it will mean I won’t achieve anything. So I need to honour that part of me too and be disciplined and focussed towards achieving my goals, while remaining very aware that the best way to do this is by allowing my mind to settle down and my creativity to flow more freely.

How about you? What are your greatest barriers to peace? I hope that me sharing this helps you to know that you are not alone, and acts as a reminder (I constantly need reminding!) that relaxation is a great aid to getting things done rather than a hindrance! 🙂

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Tess Heaven

Explore, inspire, create

Tag Archives: inner peace

You Are The Entire Universe

The Power Of A Crazy Dream

The Magic Is In You – Water Wonderland

Water Meditation

The Magic Is In You

Nature Meditation

10 Affirmations To Assist You During An Adventure

Make Peace A Priority

I Keep Coming Back To Peace

This brings me back to peace.

When your mind is still you’ll find the answers that you’re needing easily